Piyush Goyal: Rahul Gandhi Feels Threatened by PM Modi's Youth Connect

Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated on Sunday that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi feels threatened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's growing popularity among young people. Goyal claimed that the BJP has always had the support of young voters, saying 'Gen Z was always with us'. He expressed confidence that the youth would continue to support Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation.

Goyal called Modi the world's 'most popular leader' and said his engagement with young people and presence on social media platforms would help accelerate India's development. He claimed that Gandhi, who used to consider himself a youth leader, is no longer as popular as Modi among young people.

The Mumbai North MP was responding to questions about youth protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, which later led to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Goyal defended the Centre's handling of examination paper leaks, saying the government had enacted stringent legislation under Modi's leadership.

Goyal claimed that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had planned legislation to tackle examination paper leaks in 2010-11 but lacked the courage to introduce it. He said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government enacted such a law in 2024 and subsequently strengthened it through amendments providing for tougher punishment and fast-track court trials.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, was passed by both Houses of Parliament last week. Goyal criticized Opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), for opposing the legislation in Parliament.

Goyal's comments come as the BJP continues to promote Modi's vision for India's development, with a focus on engaging with young people. The party has been using social media platforms to reach out to young voters and promote its policies.

The Congress, on the other hand, has been trying to regain its lost ground among young people. Gandhi has been trying to connect with young voters through his speeches and social media posts, but Goyal's comments suggest that the BJP is confident of its support among Gen Z.

The debate over examination paper leaks and the government's handling of the issue is likely to continue in the coming days. The Opposition parties have been criticizing the government for its handling of the issue, while the BJP has been defending its actions.

In the end, Goyal's comments highlight the ongoing battle for support among young people between the BJP and the Congress. With the BJP confident of its support among Gen Z, it remains to be seen how the Congress will respond to the challenge.

The outcome of this battle for support among young people will have significant implications for Indian politics. As the country continues to develop and grow, the support of young people will be crucial for any party that wants to stay in power.